Why in news?
As severe heatwaves become more frequent, policy discussions in India and other tropical countries are focusing on access to cooling as a basic right. Providing cooling is seen as both a public health necessity and a climate adaptation measure.
Understanding cooling
- Cooling includes access to fans, shade, air conditioners, cold chains for medicine and refrigerated storage. It enables people to live and work safely in high temperatures.
- Certain groups, such as outdoor labourers, the elderly and children, are particularly vulnerable to heat stress.
- Cooling demand is energy‑intensive; increasing air‑conditioner use raises electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions unless powered by clean energy.
Why universal cooling matters
- Heatwaves have caused hundreds of deaths in recent years, as seen in Ahmedabad in 2022. The human body’s tolerance is limited, and prolonged exposure can lead to heatstroke.
- Workers in construction, agriculture and street vending suffer productivity losses and health risks when temperatures soar.
- Hospitals, vaccines and perishable foods require reliable cold chains; yet many facilities lack adequate cooling.
- Setting air conditioners at 24°C can save energy but may not be comfortable for everyone, highlighting the tension between efficiency and comfort.
Policy landscape in India
- India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) 2019: Aims to reduce cooling demand by 20–25% and refrigerant demand by 25–30% by 2037 while providing sustainable cooling for all sectors.
- Heat Action Plans: Cities like Ahmedabad have implemented early warning systems, public cooling shelters, adjusted work hours and awareness campaigns.
- BEE regulations: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency mandates star labelling for air conditioners and recommends a default temperature setting of 24°C to save energy.
- International commitments: India is party to the Kigali Amendment to phase down hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants and has committed to an 85% reduction by 2047.
Challenges
- Affordability: Many households cannot afford efficient air conditioners or consistent electricity; cooling remains a luxury.
- Infrastructure: Rural and informal urban areas face frequent power cuts and lack of public cool spaces.
- Climate trade‑off: Without renewable energy and energy‑efficient designs, cooling may worsen emissions.
- Governance: Multiple agencies oversee cooling, leading to fragmented policy and implementation gaps.
Way forward
- Recognise cooling as a development right and integrate it into housing, health and labour programmes.
- Invest in public cooling infrastructure such as shaded shelters, water fountains and green spaces, especially in high‑density urban areas.
- Protect workers through heat‑index‑based work–rest cycles, mandatory breaks and access to drinking water.
- Promote energy‑efficient technologies, low‑GWP refrigerants and passive cooling designs. Explore district cooling systems for dense urban areas.
- Seek global finance and technology transfer to enable developing countries to adopt green cooling solutions.
Conclusion
Ensuring equitable access to cooling is not only a public health imperative but also an adaptation strategy. Balancing comfort, affordability and sustainability will be key as the world warms.
